Pyongyang, March 4 (KCNA) -- Meetings, film shows and photo exhibitions were held in Laos, Pakistan and Tajikistan from Feb. 10 to 13 to celebrate the birthday of General Secretary
Kim Jong Il.

Displayed in the venues of photo exhibitions were works of Kim Jong Il, photos showing his immortal exploits and photos introducing the Korean people in the efforts to build a great prosperous and powerful nation.

Speeches were made at the events.

The chairman of the Laos-Korea Friendship Association said that under the wise leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea headed by Kim Jong Il, the Korean people have firmly defended the sovereignty of the country and made great successes in socialist construction. All these achievements are attributable to the political and ideological might of all the servicepersons and people who are united as one in mind around their leader, with absolute respect and trust in him, he added.

The chairman of the National Workers' Party of Pakistan said that socialist Korea is now growing stronger thanks to the outstanding and tested leadership of Kim Jong Il, the great sun of the 21st century.

The first secretary of the Sogd Regional Committee of the Communist Party of Tajikistan expressed belief that the Korean people would certainly build a great prosperous and powerful nation and reunify the country in the near future under the leadership of Kim Jong Il.

Appreciated at the film shows were Korean films dealing with the Songun leadership feats of
Kim Jong Il.

A message of greetings to Kim Jong Il was adopted at the meeting held in Pakistan.